In the wandering spirit of the gypsies, Cirque du Soleilʼs newest show, "Varekai" will transport viewers on an imaginative journey.

Meaning "wherever" in the Romany language, "Varekai" (pronounced ver-ay-kie) follows mythical Icarus from his fall from the skies to the travails he experiences once he has lost his wings.

"This is Cirque du Soleilʼs interpretation of rebirth," said Vanessa Napoli, publicist for the world-renowned show, which is a cross between high-octane gymnastics, circus fanfare and extravagant theater. "The story is of Icarus, a creature who had wings, now learning to walk. The theme is about finding yourself — wherever you will go.

"It is very theatrical, much more present than other Cirque du Soleil shows. Yet, even though weʼre telling a different story, all the things weʼre known for are still present."

Coming to Lovelandʼs Budweiser Events Center for seven performances May 1 through May 4 and Broomfieldʼs 1stBank Center for eight performances May 7-11, "Varekai" is filled with dreamlike sensations of sight and sound.

The tale follows a young man who drops into a magical forest replete with variegated colors and fantastical creatures.

At the base of a volcano, the extraordinary world draws him in to discover mystery and adventure.

The flight of Icarus (played by Mark Halasi) during Cirque du Soleil's "Varekai." (Benoit Camirand / Special to A&E Spotlight)

As a tribute to wanderers, both physical and those whose passionate quest is an odyssey of the mind, the nomadic soulʼs path, as well as the spirit and art of the circus tradition, are highlighted.

Considered one of the largest traveling shows since Cirque du Soleil's inception in 1984, the "Varekai" troupe travels with 19 semi-trailers full of set props and, yes, amazingly wild and wonderful costumes.

"The costumes are really different from any other show," Napoli said. "We wanted to challenge the shape of the human form, and they are really unbelievable. Half of the trucks are filled with just wardrobe. But the show itself is huge. A lot of big, heavy equipment, including a catwalk, takes up almost the entire floor."

Alona Zhuravel will perform her hand-balancing on canes when Cirque du Soleil's "Varekai" visits the Loveland and Broomfield arenas. (Tomas Muscionico / Special to A&E Spotlight)

As intriguing as the designs are — costumes, floor plans and acrobatic apparatuses, accompanied by haunting, otherworldly music — the main focus is on the skill level of the performers themselves.

One such artist, 22-year-old Russian Alona Zhuravel, has spent 16 years perfecting her craft. Zhuravel, who hand balances on canes in "Varekai," concedes that, through the years, it has been difficult to develop develop the discipline and strength needed to survive.

"Stretching is tough," Zhuravel said during a phone interview between shows during the tour. "I used to have to do three hours every day; now I do one hour max."

Zhuravel was brought into the performance world by her parents. Not only did her mother introduce to her "very good schooling and technique," she's also Zhuravel's best friend.

"There was never any competition between us," Zhuravel said, "She supports me in everything I do and is very proud of me.

"I play one of the main characters. I'm a caterpillar and wear a very creative costume. I fall in love with Icarus, and although we get separated from each other by other creatures, we continue to try to find each other. I enjoy that I get to be somebody else, I get to play around. I love to perform my act and show my skills depending on my mood — slower or faster, sometimes sensual, sometimes playful."

Zhuravel is quick to commend the people who have given her inspiration — her mother, obviously, but also fellow performers.

"When I was smaller, it was always my mom, but now there are so many talented, hard-working people," Zhuravel said. "They are always an inspiration to me, how they can go out there with pain or personal problems and make the best out of it."

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